Lincoln Fire & Rescue is a professional fire/emergency medical service. Each member is sworn to protect the lives and property of all City residents. The fire department promotes life safety by coordinating the efforts of its special teams dealing with public education, fire suppression, emergency medical services, and hazardous materials, and by developing and enforcing ordinances and fire codes.

Who do I call to arrange for a fire safety program or station tour?
Use our on-line form to schedule a public education event with LFR.

How do I have Lincoln Fire & Rescue install a smoke
detector?
Smoke Detectors approved by UL or other testing agencies
are inexpensive and readily available at many retail
outlets. For individuals unable to install or afford the
fire department can assist them by calling (402) 441-7363.

Who do I call to obtain a burn permit for Lincoln?
Open burning within the city limits has been banned by city
ordinance since 1966. Exceptions are granted on a case by
case basis with the concurrence of the Health Department and
the Fire Chief. Both agencies must sign the permit. Permits
are available from the City County Health Department at
(402) 441-8040. It is the requesters responsibility to complete
the request and have reviewed by both agencies.

Who do I call to obtain a burn permit for Lancaster County
(excluding Lincoln)?
Call the Fire Chief for the area where the burn
will take place. If you are unsure of the Fire protection
district in which you live the information can be obtained
by contacting the 911 dispatch office on their non emergency
number (402) 441-6000.

How do I contact a fire inspector?
The Bureau of Fire Prevention is located in the City County
Building at 555 South 10th and may be contacted at (402) 441-7791.

Should I place a TOT finder, or other stickers on my children's bedroom window to assist firefighters if I experience a house fire?
When firefighters respond to house fires, they conduct a complete search of the home. If residents are out, they affirm that all family members are accounted for. If residents are not accounted for, the entire home will be searched. Some officials believe that a bedroom window decal is an invitation to criminals to use this room as a point of entry, since the resident will be easy to overpower if confronted. Lincoln Fire & Rescue does not support the use of window decals.

Is the 24 Hour Duty Shift Inefficient?
The 24 hour shift is believed by some residents to be inefficient and should be changed to a more traditional 8 hour shift. Some residents believe that reducing the hours worked could save funds by reducing firefighter pay. Click here to keep reading....

Am I Allowed to Barbecue On My Apartment Balcony?
No. The City of LIncoln has a fire code, International Fire Code 2006 Edition One, in which the burning of charcoal or propane grills within ten feet of combustible construction, in apartments or multifamily dwellings of more than two units, is not allowed.

May I store, not operate, my grill within 10 feet of combustible construction?
Yes, the code allows grills to be located within 10 feet of combustible construction. However, property owners may be more restrictive and not allow storage of grills.

Are Hibachi, wood smokers, charcoal or gas grills allowed to be operated within 10 feet
of combustible construction in multi-family dwellings?
No

May I store my 20lb. LPG cylinder within 10 feet of cumbustible construction in multi-family
dwellings?
No. LP-gass containers with a water capacity greater than 2.5 pounds (1 pound LP-gas capacity) shall not be located on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction.

Where may I store my 20lb. LPG cylinder?
In a non-combustible, ventilated, locked storage cabinet with no smoking signs and NFPA 704 symbol displayed. Protection agaist vehicle impact shall be provided if vehicle traffic expected at the location.

My 20lb. LPG cylinder is empty. Do I still need to move it 10 feet away from combustible construction in
multi-family dwellings?
Yes. If they have been in LP-Gas service, they shall be considered full for determining maximum quantities of
LP-Gas permitted.

Safety Guidelines for Fire Pits
The fire cannot be any larger than 2 feet in diameter and 2 feet high. Only firewood can be burned. No paper or other waste products. The fire pit must be 25 feet away from combustible materials such as a house, deck or neighbor's house. The fire must be attended while burning. A fire extinguisher, garden hose or large bucket of sand must be nearby to put out the fire. A spark screen, while not required, is recommended. The screen prevents burning embers from escaping.

Are Fireworks Permitted in the City of Lincoln?
Yes, only on July 3rd and 4th, unless under a commercial permit.

Explosive Permits
Explosive permits for use and storage are available from the Bureau of Fire Prevention (402-441-7791). Please allow one week for the permit to be issued.

Does the City Allow the Open Burning (Without a Permit) or Yard Waste/Debris?
An open burning permit can be obtained through the Lincoln/Lancaster County Health Department (LLCH) (402-441-8000). These permits are approved by the LLCHD and the fire chief. Please allow one week for the permit to be issued.

Does the Fire Department Fill Swimming Pools?
No. The fire department does not fill pools nor does it loan fire hose. The City does not know of any area vendors who rent fire hose. Should homeowners have access to 2 1/2" hose, residents may contact Lincoln Water System (402-441-7571) regarding information on renting a fire hydrant meter and costs. Please note, the Water Departmetns suggestion that, while it may take longer, it is more economical to use a garden hose and the home's outside water outlet.

Does the Fire Department Do Blood Pressure Checks?
Yes. Citizens may walk-in and have their blood pressure checked by a firefighter Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or firefighter paramedic on duty at any fire station.

Fire Hydrant Questions?
When you notice a problem with a fire hydrant such as leaking, damage, needs paint, or you know it to be non-operational, please contact the Water Department (402-441-7571) with the address or cross streets (ie, 55th & Leighton) of the fire hydrant.